clepsydra

American  

[klep-si-druh] / ˈklɛp sɪ drə /

noun

plural

clepsydras, clepsydrae

1. an ancient device for measuring time by the regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture.

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clepsydra British  

/ ˈklɛpsɪdrə /

noun

1. Also called: water clock.  an ancient device for measuring time by the flow of water or mercury through a small aperture

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Etymology

Origin of clepsydra

1640–50; < Latin < Greek klepsýdra, equivalent to kleps- ( klep-, stem of kléptein to steal, conceal + -s- formative in derivation) + hydra, derivative of hýdōr water

Explanation

Drip, drip, drip. This used to be the sound of a clepsydra — a special water clock used by ancient civilizations. The clepsydra was an early and innovative way to keep track of time. It combines the Greek roots klept-, meaning "steal," and hydr-, meaning "water." The clepsydra worked by measuring time through the steady flow of water from one container to another — as if one container was gradually stealing water from the other. The clepsydra was used by the Greeks, Egyptians, and other ancient civilizations to time speeches, monitor cooking, and even keep time during court sessions.

Example Sentences

Empedocles performed his experiment with a household implement people had used for centuries, the so-called clepsydra or “water thief,” which was used as a kitchen ladle.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

This would, however, be imperceptible so long as their lengths were not measured by some accurate mechanical time-measurer such as a clepsydra, sandglass, pendulum, or spring clock.

From The Astronomy of the Bible An Elementary Commentary on the Astronomical References of Holy Scripture by Maunder, E. Walter (Edward Walter)

Instead of telling when, as the sundial did, the clepsydra, by measuring a given interval, told how long, which was a very different thing indeed.

From Christopher and the Clockmakers by Stecher, William F. (William Frederick)

Each of the sides had a sort of dial, and the building formerly contained a clepsydra or water-clock.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 2 Amiel to Atrauli by Various

It was invented by the Egyptians, and was called a clepsydra, and was in use among the Babylonians, the Greeks, and the Romans.

From Astronomical Myths Based on Flammarions's History of the Heavens by Blake, John F.